A "group A strep carrier" will test positive for strep throat, (when tested with a rapid strep test or throat culture), even if they are not really having a current episode of strep throat. If you are routinely having positive strep tests, you may need to consider the fact that you are a strep carrier and have actually been infected with a cold virus which is causing similar symptoms to that of strep throat. If you're wondering whether or not you really have strep you may wish to read:
- Symptoms of Strep Throat
-
Is Your Sore Throat Strep?
Strep carriers are infectious in the early stages of the carrier state but become less infectious as time goes on. However, if you are having frequent recurring strep throat, it is possible that someone close to you or in your family is a strep carrier. The carrier state can be cured with antibiotics, but it can be difficult. Physicians are not encouraged to eliminate the carrier state unless the carrier is having complications of strep throat or are frequently infecting other individuals.
Many physicians will recommend having a tonsillectomy if you have had strep throat 7 or more times within one year. However, the risks of surgery must be carefully considered before deciding to have surgery. In most cases, a tonsillectomy will solve the problem of recurring strep throat, but not always. It is best to discuss possible reasons for your recurring strep throat and the benefits versus risks of surgery before having a tonsillectomy.
Sources:
Medline Plus. Tonsillectomy. Accessed: October 1, 2009 from http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/003013.htm
Pichichero, Michael E. Antibiotic Failure in the Treatment of Streptococcal Tonsillorpharyngitis. www.uptodate.com. 2009 (Subscription Required)
